**Please the attached photos featuring front and back images of the College Day T-shirt, available to the first 1,000 college students who register on-track on Friday, July 27**
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Contact: Dan Silver
Mark Bardack
SARATOGA RACE COURSE HEADS TO THE TOP OF THE CLASS WITH FOURTH ANNUAL COLLEGE DAY;
POST TIME ON COLLEGE DAY 2:30 P.M.
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – The first late post of the season will enable college students to sleep in and still make it to their favorite course on time as Saratoga Race Course hosts its fourth annual College Day on Friday, July 27. The first race of the afternoon gets underway at 2:30 p.m. with gates opening at noon.
All college students receive free grandstand admission with a valid college ID while the first 1,000 college students to register on-track will receive a free commemorative College Day T-shirt.
Track goers of all ages are encouraged to don their alma mater's colors or favorite collegiate team's gear for the chance to win special prizes throughout the day. College and university mascots from schools throughout the greater Capital Region will walk the track distributing prizes to those showing their school spirit.
The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) will offer college students enrolled in the upcoming academic year the chance to win $1,000 scholarships following each race. Additional scholarships awarded on College Day and scholarship-related highlights include:
- The New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. will present a $5,000 scholarship to a student enrolled in an equine program at a New York State school.
- The New York State Thoroughbred Breeding and Development Fund is awarding six scholarships of $2,500 for a total of $15,000 to students who will be pursuing careers in New York State's thoroughbred racing or breeding industries.
- The University of Arizona's Race Track Industry Program (RTIP) will supplement NYRA's scholarship award and provide $2,000 in additional scholarship money, for a grand total of $3000, for students accepted into its innovative track management program at the University of Arizona.
- The Race for Education, a non-profit organization that provides educational programs and college scholarships to students in the equine and agriculture industry, will sponsor a $1,000 scholarship on College Day.
Beginning at noon on College Day, students may register at the Big Red Spring to win the scholarships and other prizes including iPods, iTunes gift cards, and restaurant gift cards while enjoying activities with 102.3 KISS-FM in the backyard.
Popular sidekick Greg T from the nationally syndicated Elvis Duran and the Morning Show will mingle with students and fans during his inaugural appearance at College Day.
A special "Student Zone" will be designated near the Big Red Spring in the backyard to provide College Day attendees with an exclusive place to relax and enjoy the races. The tented area will feature 102.3 KISS-FM DJs from noon to 2 p.m., live acoustic music by The Lateshift from 3 to 5 p.m., college-themed décor, activities and more.
College Day coincides with the meet's first Party at the Spa, presented by Coors Light.
Fans are invited to stay on track after the races to enjoy an after-hours party at Saratoga hot spot The Post, adjacent to the Paddock. The festive evening will feature a mix of great food, drinks, and live music by Rockjunky. Shake Shack, El Verano Taquería, Box Frites and The Bar at The Post will remain open for guests to enjoy the first of two Party at the Spa events this season.
For a complete and up to date listing of all special events at Saratoga Race Course, visit www.nyra.com/saratogaevents.
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